BA in Paris terror alert

Britain and France were last night locked in a diplomatic row over airline security.

British Airways was furious that Air Algerie - a target for terrorists - had been allowed to set up a check-in desk right next to its own at Paris's Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Worried about possible terrorist devices, BA switched its Charles de Gaulle flights which clashed with those of Air Algerie to Paris's other main airport, Orly. It also limited passengers on its remaining Charles de Gaulle flights to hand luggage

The airline has asked Transport Secretary Sir George Young to contact his French counterpart to try to get the matter resolved.

But the row is unlikely to be solved quickly, coming as it does as both countries prepare for general elections.

Air Algerie stopped using Charles de Gaulle two years ago after its check- in was moved to a remote part of the airport, but resumed the flights yesterday. BA was upset that no special security arrangements were introduced for the airline's reappearance at the airport.